Portable organizer

ABSTRACT

An array of storage receivers such as bins of various sizes supported by a transportable stand to which the bins may be removably attached. The stand may have a handle for carrying, and wheels for movably supporting the stand and the array of storage bins.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a storage unit and, more particularly,to a storage unit comprising an array of receivers such as bins and astand removably supporting the array of bins.

2. Description of Related Art

Many people have multiple projects “in process” at the same time withassociated stacks for each project. Filing these stacks in a filingcabinet tends to put them out of mind. Additionally, most people desirethe convenience of easy and ready access to in-process project stacks.Consequently, they keep the stacks for their in-process projects

on the desktop in loose stacks, or

in open-top stackable boxes like “in baskets”, or

nearby in transportable carrying cases (oftentimes having handles).

When a project is completed, many people file the associated stack in afiling cabinet, or throw all or part of it away.

Many people in home offices and workers in business offices have alimited amount of desk space and/or occasionally desire that theirin-process project stacks be transportable so they can quickly andeasily move their workspace to another area, and/or clear the look ofclutter by moving their work out of sight, into a closet or otherinconspicuous area.

The approaches bulleted above for handling in-process stacks conflictwith limitations and desires:

-   -   Loose stacks occupy often all-too-limited desk space, tend to        look cluttered, and are not easily transported.    -   Stackable boxes like “in-baskets” occupy limited desk space and        are not easily transported.    -   Although carrying cases tend to be easily transportable, such        cases when closed fail to provide easy and ready access to their        contents or can occupy space and add to the impression of        clutter when the top is left open.

A need therefore exists for a free-standing, transportable storage unitthat also provides easy and ready access to papers (and other suppliesfor various arts and crafts) that may be contained therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A stand supported by a base holds one or more attachable and removableor non-removable receivers such as bins for separating and holdingpapers, documents, files, supplies and the like, related to one or moreprojects. Bins of various dimensions may be held by the stand, and maybe adjusted in terms of height on the stand. In one alternativeembodiment, one or more of the bins is angled upwardly toward an openingto retain the contents. In another alternative embodiment, a pluralityof bins is shown, each having different dimensions. In anotheralternative embodiment, a handle that allows for transportability isillustrated. Other alternative embodiments and optional features aredescribed within. However, the claims define the scope of theinvention(s) described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following DetailedDescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a stand supporting theembodiment of an array of removable bins;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of a stand shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the embodiment of a stand shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of a stand shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the embodiment of a stand shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the embodiment of a stand shown in FIG. 1supporting the embodiment of an array of removable bins;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment of a stand shown in FIG. 1supporting an embodiment of an array of removable bins;

FIG. 8 is a close-up perspective view of the rear portion of an exampleof one bin of the embodiment of an array of removable bins;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the embodiment of a stand shown in FIG. 1supporting the embodiment of an array of removable bins;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment of a stand shown in FIG.1 showing a handle in a folded-down position;

FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are views of an underside of the embodiment of anorganizer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are cross-sectional views of the embodiment of anorganizer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the stand;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the alternate embodiment of the stand shownin FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a pair of angled mounting brackets foruse with the stand shown in FIGS. 13-14;

FIG. 16 is a front view of the stand shown in FIGS. 13-14 with pairs ofangled mounting brackets mounted thereon;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the stand shown in FIGS. 13-14 with pairs ofangled mounting brackets supporting additional containers;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the stand shown in FIGS. 13-14 withpairs of angled mounting brackets mounted thereon;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the stand shown in FIG. 18 supportingboxes of different sizes; and

FIGS. 20A and 20B are front views of an embodiment of the stand showingan alternate arrangement of extendable wheels; and

FIG. 21 is a front view of an adjustable embodiment of the stand;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an adjustable mounting bracketaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a stand according toanother aspect of the invention; and

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the stand of FIG. 23, with storageboxes.

FIG. 25 is a front view of one embodiment with non-removable receivers.

FIG. 26 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However,those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention maybe practiced without such specific details. In other instances,well-known elements have been illustrated in simplified form in ordernot to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail.

Turning now to FIG. 1, an array of bins 10 comprises a stand 100configured for holding one or more removable bins 200. In an embodiment,the stand 100 comprises one or more vertical supports 106 configured forcoupling with the bins 200 (and brackets 300 shown in FIG. 15) in amanner to be described hereinafter.

Turning now to FIGS. 2-5, an embodiment of the stand 100 comprises aframe 104 supported by a base 102, and having a handle 114 coupled tothe top of frame 104. The frame 104 comprises a first vertical supportmember 106A and a second vertical support member 106B, each verticalsupport 106 A, B being an elongated member having a number of slots 108formed therein for supporting one or more removable bins 200. While muchof the description is in the context of bins 200, other receivers orholders such as shelves and trays may also be employed. The termreceivers as used here is intended to be generic to trays, shelves andbins.

The slots 108 may be a single column of rectangular apertures formed insurfaces of each of vertical support members 106A and 106B, and may bespaced apart vertically at regular intervals. Alternatively, as is shownin FIGS. 13 and 14, a double-column of slots 108 may be provided in thesurfaces of vertical support members 106C and 106D, wherein the slots108 may be configured as side-by-side pairs of slots arranged one abovethe other. The horizontal spacing of side-by-side pairs of slots 108preferably conforms to spacing of corresponding, double-hook mountingfeatures of bins 200 or other mounting brackets 300, shown in FIG. 15.The vertical spacing of slots 108 preferably conforms to the verticalspacing of corresponding mounting hooks 124 of bins 200 A-E. Althoughhooks 124 and slots 108 are used as connector mechanisms to secure andremove the bins 200 A-E to and from the stand 100, it will beappreciated that other releasable fastening connectors may be used inthe alternative, such as posts, Velcro® strips, releasable clamps, andthe like.

The frame 104 further comprises an upper horizontal support member 110and a lower horizontal support member 112. The lower horizontal supportmember 112 may be coupled at one end thereof to a lower end of firstvertical support member 106A, and may be coupled at an opposite endthereof to a lower end of second vertical support member 106B. The upperhorizontal support member 110 may be coupled at one end thereof to anupper end of first vertical support member 106A, and may be coupled atan opposite end thereof to an upper end of second vertical supportmember 106B. The support members 106A, 106B, 110, and 112 may be securedtogether by any suitable means such as, for example, by welding orbrazing the support members together where their surfaces meet, or bymechanical fasteners such as, for example, with rivets, screws, bolts,nuts and the like. The support members 106A, 106B, 110, and 112 form thegenerally rectangular frame 104 for supporting removable bins 200.

The frame 104 may further comprise structurally reinforcing tensionwires 122A and 122B for maintaining an orthogonal relationship betweenadjacent support members 106A, 106B, 110, and 112. In an embodiment,tension wire 122A may be secured to the frame 104 at its upper left-handcorner and at its lower right-hand corner, while tension wire 122B maybe secured to the frame 104 at its upper right-hand corner and at itslower left-hand corner. Tension wires 122A and 122B may be secured tothe frame 104 by any suitable mechanical fastening means such as, forexample, by looping each end of the wire through an “eye” bolt securedto one of the support members 106A, 106B, 110, and 112 and clamped witha suitable wire clamp. In an embodiment, each tension wire 122A and 122Bmay incorporate a turnbuckle 123A or 123B for adjusting the tension onthe wire in a well-known manner. Alternatively, the frame 104 may beprovided with stiffening brackets in its corners to reinforce the frameagainst collapsing. As another alternative, the frame 104 mayincorporate a flat, rectangular plate extending to and secured betweensupport members 106A, 106B, 110 and 112 to maintain the rectangularconfiguration of the frame 104.

In an embodiment, the handle 114 may be coupled to frame 104 at theupper horizontal support member 110. The handle 114 may be provided witha pivotable coupling 115 having a vertical extension 117. The verticalextension 117 may be securely affixed to the upper horizontal supportmember 110 by any suitable means such as, for example, by welding orbrazing the vertical extension 117 to the upper horizontal supportmember 110 where their surfaces meet, or by mechanical fasteners suchas, for example, with rivets, screws, or bolts and nuts. The pivotablecoupling 115 may be formed integrally with the vertical extension 117,or the pivotable coupling 115 may be formed separately and securelyaffixed to the vertical extension 117 by any suitable means such as, forexample, by welding or brazing, by use of mechanical fasteners and thelike. The handle 114 may be coupled to the pivotable coupling 115 by anysuitable means that provides for the handle 114 pivoting between anupright, or vertical position and a horizontal position, as shown inFIG. 4, for example. In an embodiment, the pivotable coupling 115 maycomprise internal friction members 119 (FIG. 3) engaging the handle 114such that the handle 114 remains in a given orientation, whether it bevertical, horizontal, or in an intermediate position, until the handle114 is moved by hand. In other embodiments, the pivotable coupling 115may comprise internal stops for retaining the handle 114 in at least avertical position or a horizontal position. When placed in a horizontalposition, the handle may be used to temporarily support the contents ofone or more of the bins 200.

The base 102 of the stand 100 is preferably not wider than a“standard-sized” bin 200 to conserve space. The base 102 can be made ofany material of sufficient strength to support the assembly on anunderlying surface, and may be configured as a solid article as shown,for example, in FIG. 13, or may be configured as a collapsible tripodwith folding legs or other configuration that will support the assembly.The stand 100 may, in some embodiments, further incorporate a swivel 116between the base 102 and the frame 104 to be able to rotate the frame104 with respect to the base 102. The frame 104 may be coupled to thebase 102 at swivel 116 by any suitable means such as, for example, bywelding or brazing the frame 104 to the swivel 116 where their surfacesmeet, or by mechanical fasteners such as, for example, rivets, screws,bolts and nuts and the like. Otherwise, the frame 104 may be staticallycoupled to the base by any suitable mechanical means.

The base 102 may, in some embodiments, further include wheels 118coupled to the base 102, under and within the perimeter of the base 102.The wheels 118 may be casters mounted to extendable and retractableslide mechanisms 120 operable to extend the casters beyond thesupporting perimeter of the hollow base and also operable to retract thecasters under and within the perimeter of the base 102. The retractableslide mechanisms 120 may be secured to the base 102 by mechanicalfasteners such as, for example, machine screws. Alternatively, theretractable slide mechanisms 120 may be inserted into receptacles formedin the underside of the base 120 and secured to the base 120 byresilient clips. The casters are shown fully extended in FIG. 1, areshown partially extended in FIG. 2, and are shown fully retracted inFIGS. 3-5.

The spacing between the two vertical supports 106A, 106B can be selecteddepending upon the application of the array of bins 10 and the size ofthe bins 200. Generally, the spacing between the vertical supports 106A,106B can be chosen to exclude the use of the supports with bins havingdifferent widths, such as bins manufactured or sold by a differentmanufacturer or retailer. For example, the vertical supports 106A, 106Bof the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 do not extend beyond theperimeter of the base, whereas the vertical supports of the embodimentshown in FIGS. 13-14 may be positioned beyond the perimeter of the base.

Turning now to FIGS. 6-7, an embodiment of the array of bins 10 showsthe stand 100 supporting a number of removable bins 200. The bins 200can be made of any suitable material, for example, a sturdy wire meshsupported by a wire frame. The bins 200 are generally rectangular butinclined upward from the rear to the front, open in the front and closedon at least the two sides, the bottom, and the rear portions. The bins200 may also be enclosed on the top. Note that the terms “top”,“bottom”, “front”, “rear”, and “side” pertain to the bins 200 whenmounted to the stand 100, as shown in FIGS. 6-7. When not mounted to thestand 100, the bins 200 are preferably configured so they will standupright with the rear surface 202 (see FIG. 8) resting on a tabletop orother convenient surface. When mounted to the stand 100, the bins attachto the vertical supports 106A, 106B utilizing hooks 124 or hook-likefeatures formed into the rear portion of each bin. The hooks fit intoslots 108 formed in the vertical supports 106A, 106B, as can also beseen in FIG. 1. The handle 114 in FIG. 7 is shown in a verticalposition, with the horizontal position indicated by dashed lines. Asshown in FIG. 7, the bins 200 may be provided with hand holes 210 formedas apertures in the sides of the bins 200. The hand holes 210 may beused to grasp one of the bins 200 when mounting the bin 200 to the stand100, or when removing the bin 200 from the stand 100.

Turning now to FIG. 6, an embodiment of the array of bins 10 showsdifferent size bins 200 supported by the stand 100. Some of bins, suchas bin 200E, may be wider from side-to-side than other bins, such as“standard-sized” bin 200A. Other bins, such as bin 200B, may more narrowfrom top-to-bottom than other bins, such as bin 200A. As shown in FIG.7, some bins, such as bin 200B, may be shallower from front-to-rear thanother bins, such as bin 200A. Any of the bins 200 may optionally beprovided with a lower lip 126 extending from side to side across thefront opening of the bin, and rising to a predetermined height H. Thepredetermined height H may be a standard, fixed height, such as ¾ inch.The predetermined height H may also be a relative proportion of theheight of the opening of the bin 200, such as 25 per cent of the heightof the opening. The lower lip 126 may be provided to help retain thecontents of the bin 200.

Turning now to FIG. 7, an embodiment of the array of bins 10 shows bins200 coupled to the stand 100 on one side of the stand 100 and on anopposite side of the stand 100. The bins 200 may be indented in theirrear portions to partially enclose the hook-like features 124, as shownfor example in FIG. 8.

Turning now to FIG. 8, a bin 200 may have a rear surface 202 extendingfrom side-to-side across the rear of the bin 200. The rear surface 202may generally be flat, but preferably includes a first indented portion204A and a second indented portion 204B. The first and second indentedportions 204A and 204B have a width, a depth, and a cross-sectionprofile generally matching a width and cross-section profile of verticalsupports 106A, 106B of stand 100, but wherein the depth of the first andsecond indented portions 204A and 204B is not more than half the depthof the vertical supports 106A, 106B of stand 100. Hooks 124 are providedwithin first and second indented portions 204A and 204B for mating withslots 108 provided in the vertical supports 106A, 106B of stand 100.When coupled to the stand 100, the bins 200 may fit back-to-back.

Referring back now to FIG. 1, bin 200D is shown supported by stand 100.Bin 200D has a width from side to side, a height from top to bottom, anda depth from front to rear. Below bin 200D, bin 200E is shown supportedby stand 100. Bin 200E has a width that is wider than the width of bin200D, while the height and depth of bin 200E are substantially the sameas the height and depth of bin 200D. Above bin 200D, bin 200C is shownsupported by stand 100. Bin 200C has a height that is shorter than theheight of bin 200D, while the width and depth of bin 200C aresubstantially the same as the width and depth of bin 200D. The bins 200may be provided in different sizes, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, toaccommodate different sized materials, as long as the mountingprovisions at the rear of the bins 200 mate with correspondingprovisions of the stand 100.

With reference now to FIG. 1, it can be seen that bin 200A mounts to thestand 100 using hook connectors 124 to secure the bin 200A to thevertical supports 106A, 106B. It can further be seen that hooks 124 ofthe bins 200 couple to the vertical supports 106A, 106B at slots 108provided in the vertical supports 106A, 106B of stand 100. It can alsobe seen from bin 200C, for example, that the indented portions 204A,204B fit around and partially enclose the vertical supports 106A, 106B.Provision of hook fasteners 124 within the indented portions 204A, 204Bat the rear of each bin 200 permit the bins 200 to preferably fittogether “back-to-back” with their respective rear surfaces 202 adjacenteach other.

Turning now to FIG. 9, the array of bins 10 is shown in a top view, inwhich the stand 100 supports bin 200A on one side of the stand 100, andsupports bin 200F on an opposite side of the stand 100. Base 102,represented by dashed lines, is obscured from view by the bins 200A,200F. Handle 114 is shown above the bins 200A, 200F, in an intermediateposition between a vertical position and horizontal position. Bin 200Ais shown mounted to stand 100 such that its indented portion 204A iscoupled to vertical support 106B, and the indented portion 204B of bin200A is coupled to vertical support 106A. Bin 200F is shown mounted tostand 100 such that its indented portion 204A is coupled to verticalsupport 106A, and the indented portion 204B of bin 200F is coupled tovertical support 106B. The indented portions 204 of each of bins 200Aand 200F each partially enclose or surround the respective verticalsupports 106A, 106B to which the bins are mounted. Consequently, therear surface 202A of bin 200A is positioned adjacent the rear surface202F of bin 200F in “back-to-back” fashion.

With reference now to FIG. 8, the rear surface 202 need not be indentedas shown, but may instead be flat with hook connectors 124 extendingrearward from the flat surface 202. However, incorporating indentedportions 204, in which hook fasteners 204 are mounted, advantageouslyprovides a substantially flat rear surface 202 thereby allowing the rearsurface of each bin to rest on a tabletop, for example, without the hookconnectors 124 being damaged or marring the surface of the tabletop. Itwill also be apparent that hooks could alternatively be secured to thevertical supports 106A, 106B by suitable means, and mating slotspositioned on the rear surface of the bins 200, to secure the bins tothe vertical supports 106A, 106B.

Turning now to FIG. 10, the handle 114 of stand 100 is shown pivoted toa folded, horizontal position, so that any of the bins 200 and contentsof the bins 200, such as papers or crafting materials, may be placedtemporarily on the handle 114. The handle 114 is preferably flattened oneach side to provide an even surface for temporary support.

As described above, an embodiment of the array of bins 10 may providethe following features. The stand 100 may provide openings or slots 108arranged vertically so the location of the bins 200 may be adjusted to adesired height. The attachable bins 200, or mounting brackets 300described hereinafter, may be angled upwardly to accessibly holdcontents therein. The attachable bins 200 may be open-ended and outwardfacing for easy access to the contents therein. The attachable bins 200may be provided in a variety of dimensions depending upon such things aswhether any papers to be contained therein are letter sized or legalsized, the thickness of a stack of papers from the top to the bottom ofthe stack, or the size of scrap booking supplies or other materials tobe contained therein. The handle 117 may be used to provide portabilityso that a home user can quickly move the array of bins 10 into a closetand obtain the look of a tidy study, or an office user can quickly movethe array of bins 10 to a less-conspicuous area or storage space toobtain a tidier looking office, or a user can easily work in anotherroom of the house, if a home user, or another office area, if an officeuser.

Extendable and retractable slide mechanisms 120 supporting wheels 118have been shown in extended positions. In an embodiment, a spring-loadedmechanism can be provided within the base for causing the wheels orcasters to extend when desired. For example, the spring-loaded mechanismcan be configured to release and extend the casters in response to auser pressing down on the stand. In an embodiment, the spring-loadedmechanism can be provided with a further mechanism for retracting thecasters and retaining the extendable casters within the perimeter of thebase. For example, a lever can be provided to retract the casters,compress the spring, and latch the spring-loaded mechanism for laterrelease. In another embodiment, a spring-loaded mechanism may beconfigured to extend retractable wheels or casters downwardly inresponse to a user pressing down on the base 102 at one or morelocations on the base. In an embodiment, spring-release actuators, orbuttons, may be provided to release the springs and permit the wheels orcasters to extend. An exemplary spring-loaded mechanism is describedbelow with reference to FIGS. 11A-12B.

Turning now to FIG. 11A, the base 102 is shown from below, whereinretractable slide mechanisms 120 support wheels 118. Slide mechanisms120 may comprise a fixed portion 121 and a sliding portion 123 (FIG.12A), slideably coupled together using a dovetail and slot configuration125 (FIG. 11B) similar to that found in a typical drawer slide. Slidemechanisms 120 may further comprise mounting flanges 127 formed in thefixed portion 121, and may be secured to the underside of base 120 usingscrews or other mechanical fasteners 129, each passing through anaperture provided in the mounting flange 127 and securing to theunderside of base 102. Each retractable slide mechanism 120 may becoupled to a compressible spring 130 or other resilient member disposedbetween an inboard end of the retractable slide mechanism 120 and acentral hub 132. The action of the compressed spring 130 urges theretractable slide mechanism 120 outwards away from the central hub 132.Each retractable slide mechanism 120 may further be coupled to at leastone latch 134, each latch 134 having a first end 136 and a second end138. The first end 136 of latch 134 may couple to the retractable slidemechanism 120 to restrain the mechanism from sliding. The latch 134 maybe pivotably mounted to the underside of the base 102 and secured tobase 102 using suitable mechanical fasteners. An actuator 140 may beprovided to release one or more of the latches 134 and may, for example,be coupled to a linkage 142 and be configured to move towards thecentral hub 132 upon actuation, thereby coming into contact with andpressing upon the second end 138 of the latches 134. Upon actuation, thelatches 134 pivot about their central mounting provisions, and releasethe retractable slide mechanisms 120 by disengaging the first end 136 ofeach latch 134 from the retractable slide mechanisms 120. The action ofsprings 130 cause the retractable slide mechanisms 120 to extend wheels118 beyond the perimeter of base 102 upon actuation of the actuator 140.

Turning now to FIG. 11B, actuator 140 is shown moved towards central hub132, pressing upon the second ends 138 of latches 134 such that firstends 136 of latches 134 disengaged retractable slide mechanisms 120.With the latches 134 pivoted to their released positions, springs 130urge the retractable slide mechanisms 120 outwards away from the centralhub 132 and thereby extend wheels 118 beyond the perimeter of base 102.

Turning now to FIG. 12A, the base 102 is shown in cross section,illustrating a spring-loaded mechanism within the base 102. Swivel 116can be provided with a depressible member 144 disposed through themiddle of swivel 116 and mechanically coupled to the second horizontalsupport 112. The depressible member 144 is configured to be pressed downinto the base 102 by pressure applied to the handle 114 (FIG. 10) orotherwise applied evenly to the frame 104 (FIG. 10). A linkage 142 maycomprise at least one wire coupled at a first end thereof to thedepressible member 144, wherein the wire may be routed over one or morepulleys or bearing surfaces, and coupled at a second end thereof to theactuator 140 as shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B. As shown in FIG. 12B, pressingdown on the depressible member 144 applies tension to the wires, causingthe actuators 140 to be drawn towards the central hub 132, therebycoming into contact with and pressing upon the second end 138 of thelatches 134 and releasing the retractable slide mechanisms 120 asdescribed above.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 20A-20B, the slide mechanisms 120 canbe mounted at an angle, inclined upward towards the center of base 102and inclined downward toward the perimeter of base 102 so that, withmodifications to the base 102, the base 102 can sit directly upon anunderlying surface when the slide mechanisms are retracted. When latches134 are pivoted to their released positions in this alternatearrangement, springs 130 can urge the slide mechanisms 120 outwards anddownwards to extend wheels 118 into contact with the underlying surfaceand raise the base 102 up from the underlying surface.

Turning now to FIGS. 13-14, an alternative embodiment stand 100′comprises a base 102′ and a frame 104′, in which the frame 104′comprises vertical support members 106C and 106D, each vertical supportmember 106C and 106D having slots 108 configured as side-by-side pairsof slots arranged one above the other. The horizontal spacing ofside-by-side pairs of slots 108 preferably conforms to spacing ofcorresponding double-hook mounting features, which may be provided oncertain alternative variants of the bins 200, or which may be providedon other mounting brackets for supporting various containers upon stand100′.

Turning now to FIG. 15, a mounting bracket 300 comprises a verticalportion 302 supporting two pairs of hook connectors 304, a horizontalportion 306, and an angled portion 308. The hook connectors 304 arepreferably configured as two side-by-side pairs of hooks arranged oneabove the other, in which the horizontal and vertical spacing of thehooks 304 conform to the spacing of the slots 108 formed in verticalsupport members 106C and 106D (FIGS. 13-14). Extending from verticalportion 302, the horizontal portion 306 supports a corner 310 of angledportion 308. Mounting brackets 300 may be made with angled portion 308set at different, fixed angles, and/or adjustable angles, and areinterchangeable with mounting brackets 300 made at different angles. Theangled portion 308 is preferably configured to support one end of acontainer, such as a typical cardboard bankers' box or other similarcontainer, on a supporting surface 312. Mounting brackets 300 arepreferably provided as pairs of mirror-image brackets 300A, 300B. Eachbracket of the pair, bracket 300A and bracket 300B, may have a flange314 rising up from one edge of a supporting surface 312. As shown inFIG. 15, mounting bracket 300A may be a “left-handed” bracket andmounting bracket 300B may be a “right-handed” bracket. The pair ofmirror-image mounting brackets 300A and 300B may be mounted to the stand100′ with left-handed bracket 300B mounted to vertical support member106C and right-handed bracket 300A mounted to vertical support member106D, as shown in FIG. 16.

Turning now to FIG. 17, mounting brackets 300 may be mounted to theframe 104′ of stand 100′ to support additional containers such as atypical cardboard or plastic box 350, or a typical cardboard or plasticbanker's box 360. The box 350, or banker's box 360, preferably rests ina pair of brackets 300A, 300B such that corner edges of what wouldnormally be the bottom and the rear of the box 350, or 360, lie in theangled portion of bracket 300. In such an orientation, the contents ofthe box 350, or 360, are readily accessible through an opening in thefront and top of the box 350, or 360.

Turning now to FIG. 18, right-handed mounting brackets 300A can bemounted to frame 104′ at vertical support 106D, along the right-handside of the frame 104′ and left-handed mounting brackets 300B can bemounted to frame 104′ at vertical support 106C, along the left-hand sideof the frame 104′. Mounting brackets 300 can be mounted anywhere alongthe frame 104′ as desired to provide adequate clearance for boxes 350,360, and bins 200. Mounting brackets 300 are shown mounted on one sideof frame 104′, and may also be mounted on an opposite side of the frame104′, as shown in FIG. 17. Turning now to FIG. 19, a banker's box 350rests in a first pair of mounting brackets 301 installed upon frame 104′of the stand 100′. A banker's box 360 rests in a second pair of mountingbrackets 302 installed upon frame 104′ of the stand 100′. Note thatmounting brackets 301A, 302A are hidden behind boxes 350 and 360 in theview of FIG. 19.

Turning now to FIG. 21, an alternative embodiment stand 100″ comprises abase 102″ and a frame 104″, in which the frame 104″ comprises verticalsupport members 106E and 106F, and horizontal support members 110″ and112″. Each vertical support member 106E and 106F may have slots 108configured as side-by-side pairs of slots arranged one above the other.Alternatively, the vertical supports 106E and 106F may have slots 108configured as a single column of individual slots 108 arranged one abovethe other. More particularly, however, the vertical supports 106E and106F are configured to slide along the horizontal support members 110″and 112″ so that the width W of the stand 100″ can be adjusted. In anembodiment, a central support rod 128 may be coupled to the base 102″ atthe center of the base 102″, and may optionally be pivotably coupled tothe base 102″ at swivel 116. The lower horizontal support member 112″may be coupled to the stand 102″ and secured by installation of thecentral support rod 128, which may be coupled to the base 102″ by anysuitable coupling means, such as by use of threaded couplings. The upperhorizontal support member 110″ may be coupled to the central support rod128 at a top end thereof, and secured to the central support rod byinstallation of the vertical extension 117, which may be coupled to thetop end of central support rod 128 by any suitable coupling means, suchas by use of threaded couplings. Horizontal support members 110″ and112″ may be rigid bars having either a rectangular cross-section, acircular cross-section, or some other suitably shaped cross-section.

The vertical supports 106E and 106F may each have an upper horizontalchannel member 131 and a lower horizontal channel member 133 affixed tothe top and bottom ends, respectively, of each vertical support 106E and106F. Horizontal channel members 131 and 133 may be rigid, hollowchannels having either a rectangular cross-section, a circularcross-section, or some other suitably shaped cross-section, and may bepermanently affixed to the vertical support members 106E and 106F bywelding, brazing, or other suitable means. Preferably, thecross-sectional configuration of the horizontal channel members 131 and133 match the cross-sectional configuration of horizontal supportmembers 110″ and 112″, such that the horizontal channel members 131 and133 may slide over the ends of horizontal support members 110″ and 112″.In operation, the vertical supports 106E and 106F may slide fromside-to-side to adjust the width of the frame 104″ for receiving bins orboxes of differing widths. Turning now to FIG. 22, an adjustablemounting bracket 320 may have a vertical portion 302′ supporting twopairs of hooks 304′, a horizontal portion 306′, and an angled portion308′. The hooks 304′ are preferably configured as two side-by-side pairsof hooks arranged one above the other, in which the horizontal andvertical spacing of the hooks 304′ conform to the spacing of the slots108 formed in vertical support members 106C and 106D (FIGS. 13-14).Extending from vertical portion 302′, the horizontal portion 306′supports a corner 310′ of angled portion 308′. A horizontal bracketsupport member 322 may be affixed to angled portion 308′ for supportingone or more box support brackets 324A and 324B. Each box support bracket324A and 324B may have a flange 314′ rising up from one edge of asupporting surface 312′. As shown in FIG. 21, box support bracket 324Amay be a “left-handed” support bracket, and box support bracket 324B maybe a “right-handed” support bracket. Each box support bracket 324A and324B may be supported on bracket support member 322 via a channel formedin a rear portion 326 of supporting surface 312′. The adjustablemounting bracket 320 may be mounted to stand 100′, or stand 100″, andthe box support brackets 324A and 324B adjusted along horizontal bracketsupport member 322 for receiving a banker's box or a magazine box orother box having a particular width.

Turning now to FIG. 23, and according to another aspect of theinvention, a stand 400 may have a base 402 and a vertical support 404,the vertical support 404 being an elongated member having a number ofrectangular apertures or slots 408 formed therein for supporting one ormore removable mounting brackets 320. The slots 408 may be a single ordouble column of apertures formed in surfaces of vertical support 404,and may be spaced apart vertically at regular intervals. A handle 406may be provided at the top of the vertical support 404. A first mountingbracket 320A may be mounted near the top of vertical support 404. Asecond mounting bracket 320B may be mounted below the first mountingbracket 320A on the vertical support 404. Third, fourth, and fifthmounting brackets 320C, 320D and 320E, respectively, may be mountedbelow the second mounting bracket 320B on the vertical support 404.Mounting brackets 320A- 320E may be adjustable in certain embodiments,in which first mounting bracket 320A may be adjusted to its minimumwidth, fifth mounting bracket 320E may be adjusted to its full width,and fourth mounting bracket 320D may be adjusted to an intermediatewidth. The stand 400 supports one or more removable mounting brackets,some of which may be adjustable in width, for supporting one or morestorage boxes configured as magazine boxes, banker's boxes, or someother similar type of storage box.

Turning now to FIG. 24, stand 400 is shown supporting, for example, amagazine box 420 supported by mounting bracket 320C, a banker's box 422supported by mounting bracket 320E, and another storage box 424supported by mounting bracket 320 D. It will be appreciated thatmounting brackets 320 may be arranged upon stand 400 in any desiredconfiguration, and that adjustable mounting brackets 320 may be adjustedas desired for holding storage boxes of different sizes.

Finally turning to FIGS. 25, 26 and 27, they show a base support 500, areceiver support 510, fixed location receivers 512, 514, 516, 518, 520and 522 attached to receiver support 510, with each receiver projectingupwardly and outwardly terminating to define an opening 524 for storageof files or the like. At the tope of receiver support 510 is handle 528.

Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain ofits embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed areillustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range ofvariations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplatedin the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of thepresent invention may be employed without a corresponding use of theother features. Many such variations and modifications may be considereddesirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of theforegoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it isappropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in amanner consistent with the scope of the invention.

1. A free standing storage unit, comprising: a stand having a standsupport and a receiver support extending upwardly from the standsupport; one or more connectors formed in at least a portion of thereceiver support; at least one receiver removably secured to thereceiver support by the one or more connectors; and the at least onereceiver having a bottom, substantially planar surface and an openingfacing generally away from the receiver support, the bottom surface ofthe at least one receiver extending upwardly and away from the receiversupport when the receiver is secured to the receiver support, therebyretaining any contents of the receiver by gravity.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the receiver is selected from the group consisting ofbins, trays and shelves.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein at leastone receiver is a bin.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the at leastone receiver is a tray.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the at leastone receiver is a shelf
 6. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising aplurality of bins, each bin removably secured to and extending upwardlyand away from opposite sides of the bin support.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 6 wherein at least two bins are removably secured to and extendupwardly and away from the bin support, on the same side of the binsupport.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the at least two binsremovably secured to the bin support on the same side of the bin supportdiffer in at least one of width, height and depth.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising a plurality of hooks extending from the atleast one receiver toward the receiver support, wherein the one or moreconnectors comprises a plurality of slots laterally spaced apart on thereceiver support and wherein the plurality of hooks extending from theat least one receiver engage the plurality of slots on the receiversupport to removably secure the at least one receiver to the receiversupport.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a handleextending upwardly from the top of the receiver support.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 8 wherein each bin comprises a top and a bottom wall,each wall extending from the receiver support, and wherein the bottomwall extends from the receiver support a greater distance than the topwall extends from the receiver support.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11wherein at least one of the bins further comprises a lip extendingacross a lower portion of the opening of the bin to form a barriercontaining the contents of the bin.
 13. A storage unit for holdingremovable receivers, comprising: a frame extending generally in a firstdirection; two or more receivers removably couple able to the frame inone or more receiver configurations; and wherein at least oneconfiguration comprises one or more receivers mounted to the framecollectively having a width greater than a width of the frame.
 14. Astorage unit for holding removable bins, comprising: a frame having alength extending generally in a vertical direction relative to anunderlying surface; two or more bins removably couple able to the framein one or more bin configurations; and at least one substantiallyhorizontal surface extending from the frame without attachment of thehorizontal surface other than through the removably coupling to theframe.
 15. The apparatus for holding removable bins of claim 14 furthercomprising a handle extending from the frame for lifting the apparatus,wherein the handle is movable between a substantially horizontalposition and a substantially non-horizontal position.
 16. An apparatusfor holding removable bins, comprising: a frame extending generally infirst direction; two or more bins couple able to the frame in one ormore bin configurations; and wherein each bin comprises a rear surfacehaving at least one indentation for receiving at least a portion of theframe when the bin is coupled to the frame to preclude movement of thebin relative to the frame.
 17. An apparatus for holding removable bins,comprising: a frame extending generally in a first direction; two ormore bins couple able to the frame in one or more bin configurations;and a base coupled at one end of the frame for supporting the frameextending in the first direction; wherein the base comprises wheelmembers for rolled movement of the apparatus on an underlying surface,and wherein the wheel members are retractable to disengage the wheelsfrom the underlying surface to substantially keep the apparatus in placerelative to the underlying surface.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising a plurality of wheels secured to the stand support.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 18 wherein the wheels are retractable.
 20. A freestanding storage unit, comprising: a base support and a receiver supportextending upwardly from the stand support; at least one receiver securedto the receiver support; and the at least one receiver having a bottom,substantially planar surface and an opening facing generally away fromthe receiver support, the bottom surface of the at least one receiverextending upwardly and away from the receiver support when the receiveris secured to the receiver support, thereby retaining any contents ofthe receiver by gravity.